Bangladesh accuses Myanmar of violating its airspace

Bangladeshi authorities summoned Myanmar's envoy to protest, what they said, violations of their airspace amid an exodus of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in western Myanmar.

In a statement on Saturday, Myanmar's presidential spokesman Zaw Htay said there is no evidence of any trespassing and that Dhaka should have reached out to discuss its concerns instead of issuing public statements, ABC News reported.

Htay added that while Myanmar's military denied crossing into Bangladesh's airspace, the matter is being investigated. "We don't know exactly if they released that statement just for political reasons", he added.

The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday that Myanmar's drones and helicopters flew into Bangladeshi airspace on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. 

The ministry added that a protest note was handed to Myanmar's envoy Friday evening. Bangladesh warned that the provocative acts could lead to consequences.

Up to 400,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled violence in Myanmar to seek safety in Bangladesh since 25 August where they are living in refugee camps under harsh conditions.

Source: MENA